NWCU & Police Press Releases – National Wildlife Crime Unit | NWCUhttps://www.nwcu.police.uk
Mon, 18 Feb 2019 14:16:52 +0000en-UShourly1Wildlife criminal jailed for rare bird eggs importation attempthttps://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/wildlife-criminal-jailed-for-rare-bird-eggs-importation-attempt/
Mon, 14 Jan 2019 11:55:41 +0000https://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=7290A man who tried to smuggle 19 rare and endangered bird eggs into the UK strapped to his body was jailed for three years and one month on 10 January 2019. The smuggling attempt was uncovered by Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport on 26 June 2018 when officers stopped Jeffrey Lendrum after he arrived on a […]]]>

A man who tried to smuggle 19 rare and endangered bird eggs into the UK strapped to his body was jailed for three years and one month on 10 January 2019.

The smuggling attempt was uncovered by Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport on 26 June 2018 when officers stopped Jeffrey Lendrum after he arrived on a flight from Johannesburg.

Credit: Border Force

Lendrum, 57 and of no fixed UK address, was wearing a heavy jacket which officers thought was unusual due to the very warm weather conditions. When asked whether he had anything to declare, Lendrum stated he had some Fish Eagle and Kestrel eggs strapped to his body. During a full search, he was found to be wearing a body belt concealing 19 bird eggs as well as two newly-hatched chicks.

Border Force specialist officers identified that the eggs were protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the import trade for which is controlled by the issue of permits. Officers ensured that both the eggs and the live chicks were kept warm and quickly transported to the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, managed by the City of London Corporation. The live chicks and the eggs were later moved to a specialist care facility at the International Centre for Birds of Prey.

Credit: Border Force

Lendrum was arrested and the investigation passed to the National Crime Agency (NCA). Lendrum stated during an interview that his intention was to rescue the eggs after he encountered some men chopping down trees containing their nests. However in court, experts stated that a number of the eggs were from birds that nest in cliffs. Their values on the black market ranged from £2,000 to £8,000.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday (8 January) Lendrum, who has previous convictions for similar CITES offences in Canada, Brazil and Africa, pleaded guilty to attempting to import the 19 bird eggs.

Grant Miller, head of the national Border Force CITES team at Heathrow, said:

“My officers are experts in their field and, in this case, their vigilance has stopped a prolific wildlife criminal in his tracks. Their intervention also ensured that the birds and eggs received the immediate care and attention that they needed.

“Wildlife crime is a global issue and Border Force officers play a crucial role in preventing offenders from moving the products across borders, stripping them of their illegal profits.

“We will continue to work closely with enforcement partners such as the NCA to tackle the international illegal wildlife trade which threatens the survival of endangered animals and plants.”

Chris Hill, NCA investigations manager Heathrow, said:

“This offence was clearly no accident as Lendrum had gone to great lengths to both source and then attempt to conceal the birds eggs. His claims that he was engaged in an effort to save them from deforestation did not hold water.

“Wildlife crime is a cynical business, indulged in by those who have no qualms about the environmental damage they cause as long as there is a profit to be made. This case sends a clear message that we are determined to bring cases like this before the courts”

The importation of endangered species into the UK is strictly controlled by CITES, which is an international agreement covering more than 35,000 species of animals and plants. The Heathrow-based Border Force CITES team are specialist officers who work across the UK and who are recognised as world leaders in their field.

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling and trafficking of any kind should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

]]>Suspended Prison Sentence for Falcon Keeperhttps://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/suspended-prison-sentence-for-falcon-keeper/
Mon, 15 Oct 2018 11:30:45 +0000http://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=7205WARNING: This article contains images which some readers may find disturbing. On Friday 12th October 2018, Mary Holliday Lamar, 51 years, of Ashover Road, Old Tupton, Derbyshire pleaded guilty at Chesterfield Magistrates Court to possessing a wild Peregrine falcon and keeping an unregistered Schedule 4 bird. Lamar, who is a US national now living in […]]]>

The juvenile Peregrine wearing the 2014 leg ring. Credit: NWCU

WARNING: This article contains images which some readers may find disturbing.

Lamar, who is a US national now living in Derbyshire, is an experienced falconer. In December 2017 wildlife crime officers from Derbyshire Police and the National Wildlife Crime Unit executed a search warrant issued under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 at Lamar’s home address. Officers examined her collection of falcons that were kept in aviaries in her back garden.

In one aviary they discovered a young Peregrine falcon that was still in juvenile plumage, indicating that the bird had only been hatched earlier in 2017. However, the bird was wearing a leg ring that had been issued to a peregrine had been hatched in 2014. A Peregrine hatched in 2014 should have been in full adult plumage. Officers found a file of paperwork in Lamar’s house, which related to all the birds being kept in her aviaries, including a permit (Article 10 Certificate) that had been issued to the original 2014 falcon.

Lamar also had a number of falcons housed in a garage at the side of her house. In a freezer within the garage they found the carcass of a dead falcon that had had its right leg cut off. Officers believe that this was the original 2014 falcon and that the leg ring had been recycled in an attempt to legitimise a young wild-taken falcon. In view of the fact the permit did not actually relate to the 2017 bird meant that it was also unregistered.

Lamar claimed that although the falcon was in her possession, it had been brought to her house by another man who had been working for her earlier on 2017. However, her account was always disputed.

The case had been listed for trial on Friday, but Lamar changed her original ‘not guilty’ pleas to ‘guilty’ on both charges.

The District Judge hearing the case told Lamar that she was an accomplished keeper who had day to day hands on contact with the falcon. He said that she knew the difference between an adult and a juvenile bird and although it was not clear how the bird came to be at her house, he was satisfied that there had been an attempt to disguise the falcon’s true identity.

He told Lamar, “Had you not pleaded guilty, albeit at the last opportunity, you would be starting an immediate custodial sentence”.

Lamar was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment, which was suspended for 12 months, she was ordered to complete 120 hours unpaid work and had to pay costs and surcharge totalling £1135. Lamar is also disqualified from keeping Schedule 4 birds, which includes Peregrine falcons, for a period of 5 years.

The frozen carcass of the original Peregrine with its leg cut off. Credit: NWCU

Peregrine falcons and the law:

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Peregrine falcons receive the highest level of protection, it is an offence to take, kill or injure a wild Peregrine falcon. In addition, Peregrine falcons are listed on Schedule 1, so their nests and dependent young receive protection from deliberate or reckless disturbance. It is also an offence to possess or be in control of a wild-taken peregrine. Possession is an offence of ‘strict liability’, so a person must be able to show that any bird in their possession has not been taken in contravention of the Act.

All Peregrines in captivity must also be registered with the Animal Plant Health Agency, however birds covered by a UK issued CITES permit, known as an Article 10 Certificate do not need to be additionally registered. There is an exemption for possessing sick or injured receiving treatment, but this only covers a person for up to 15 days and after that the bird must be registered. All birds must be released as soon as they are fit.

]]>Drones and Wildlife: Operators warned against misusehttps://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/drones-and-wildlife-operators-warned-against-misuse/
Tue, 04 Sep 2018 20:58:18 +0000http://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=718431 August 2018 Specialists have warned that those operating drones could be causing stress to wildlife. Drones have become increasingly popular for taking aerial photographs and for conservation work, such as scientific surveys. But your drone could put you on the wrong side of the law, if you fly it too close to wildlife. The […]]]>

31 August 2018

Specialists have warned that those operating drones could be causing stress to wildlife.

Drones have become increasingly popular for taking aerial photographs and for conservation work, such as scientific surveys. But your drone could put you on the wrong side of the law, if you fly it too close to wildlife. The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland says there are some important do’s and don’ts to avoid disturbing protected species.

On Thursday August 30th, at Battleby in Perthshire, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) staged a demonstration of the best use of drones, with experts on hand to explain how to avoid disturbing wildlife. PAW Scotland have issued advice for drone operators, with a reminder that people must have a license for photographing some particularly vulnerable birds.

The law protects the nests of wild birds from any form of damage or obstruction, including even our most common garden birds. Some birds, like the golden eagle and mammals, like dolphins and whales, are protected from disturbance at any time, not just within the breeding season.

Andy Turner, Wildlife Crime Officer with SNH, says, “There have been several incidents involving drones disturbing seals at designated haul-out sites. Likewise. there have been anecdotal reports of drones being used to film sea bird colonies and raptors. While the footage from drones in these circumstances can be very spectacular, the operator must be mindful of the effect on wildlife. Birds of prey in particular can see drones as a threat and act aggressively towards them, causing both injury to themselves and damage to the drone. We would encourage anyone wishing to film wildlife with a drone to contact SNH for advice and, if necessary, apply for a licence.”

PC Charlie Everitt, of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, says: “Wildlife crime is treated seriously by Police Scotland and can result in a criminal record for offenders. Breeding wild birds, dolphins, whales and seals are all protected from harassment or disturbance by law that currently imposes fines up to £5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months on those who break it. Irrespective of whether the offender is an egg collector, boat skipper or drone operator, the possible sentences are the same. It is therefore essential that drone operators understand the law, research the legal status and behaviour of any wildlife they intend to film, and obtain the necessary licences to keep on the right side of the law.”

]]>North Yorkshire Gamekeeper convicted of shooting two protected owlshttps://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/north-yorkshire-gamekeeper-convicted-of-shooting-two-protected-owls/
Wed, 29 Aug 2018 13:25:43 +0000http://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=7189The conviction of a gamekeeper who shot two protected short-eared owls should serve as a warning to others who commit wildlife crime, North Yorkshire Police said. Timothy Cowin, 44, pleaded guilty to two charges concerning the intentional killing of two protected short-eared owls on the Whernside Estate in Cumbria, an area managed for driven grouse […]]]>

The conviction of a gamekeeper who shot two protected short-eared owls should serve as a warning to others who commit wildlife crime, North Yorkshire Police said.

Timothy Cowin, 44, pleaded guilty to two charges concerning the intentional killing of two protected short-eared owls on the Whernside Estate in Cumbria, an area managed for driven grouse shooting. He also pleaded guilty to one charge relating to the possession of items capable of being used to commit offences against wild birds.

Officers recover the remains of an owl. Photograph: RSPB

Cowin appeared in Lancaster Magistrates Court yesterday and was fined £400 for killing each owl and £200 for possessing the calling device, which was forfeited by the court. He was ordered to pay £170 costs and a £40 victim surcharge – a total of £1,210.

Outside court, Sergeant Kevin Kelly, from North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, who worked on the investigation with the RSPB, said: “Following this conviction, I feel like we have taken another step forward addressing bird crime.

“This is the first courtroom conviction for a raptor persecution case in a number of years and I’m proud of my officers who have persevered through this investigation.

“On the face of things it looks fairly straightforward. However, I can assure you that this case was not. It was extremely complicated with acute matters of law and procedure at the highest scrutiny.”

On 19 April 2017, RSPB officers visited the area and Cowin was seen walking on the moor holding a gun. An RSPB officer saw Cowin shoot and kill two short-eared owls before disposing of their bodies on the moor.

The police were called immediately and, after a pursuit on foot, Cowin was arrested. Both owl corpses were recovered, and a post-mortem examination confirmed they had been shot.

A ‘Fox pro’ calling device – a type of electronic sound luring device – was also found in Cowin’s vehicle and seized. The device was later examined and found to have had the calls of birds of prey added to the device.

Sgt Kelly added: “I appreciate there will be varying degrees of frustration levelled at this case and the outcome. None more so than myself as this undermines the excellent work we have been doing with Operation Owl whereby police and investigators are bringing landowners, land managers, game keepers, around the table to help eradicate persecution.

“This whole situation could have been avoided by good practice and accountability – something that was clearly devoid with Cowin in April 2017.

“Cowin has not only let himself down, he has tarnished his former profession and no doubt his actions will have a lasting impact. We will continue to take positive action, to enforce when opportunities arise and keep up engagement.”

Guy Shorrock, RSPB Senior Investigations Officer, said: “Over the years we have had a number of very disturbing reports from people within the shooting industry alleging widespread and systematic killing of short-eared owls on grouse moors in the north of England. The premeditated way these beautiful birds were flushed, shot and hidden was truly shocking. We are immensely grateful for the response of the police to this remote location.”

Members of the public who have information or concerns about raptor persecution or any other types of rural crime are urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.

]]>Avon taxidermy dealer pleads guilty to trading in endangered specieshttps://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/avon-taxidermy-dealer-pleads-guilty-to-trading-in-endangered-species/
Mon, 06 Aug 2018 20:03:50 +0000http://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=7149Jacek Oleksiak (42yrs) of Blenheim Drive, Yate, Avon appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court (02/08/2018) and pleaded guilty to 9 offences of prohibited sale of Annex ‘A’ species, and a further charge of fraudulently evading export restrictions in respect to a specimen he exported to the USA without permits. Between May and June 2017 the owner […]]]>

Credit: West Yorkshire Police

Jacek Oleksiak (42yrs) of Blenheim Drive, Yate, Avon appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court (02/08/2018) and pleaded guilty to 9 offences of prohibited sale of Annex ‘A’ species, and a further charge of fraudulently evading export restrictions in respect to a specimen he exported to the USA without permits.

Between May and June 2017 the owner of a public house in West Yorkshire purchased three taxidermy specimens of Goshawks for display in the pub. The specimens, which had been advertised separately, were all advertised as being stuffed and mounted pre-1947. Goshawk is a species that is listed on Annex ‘A’ to the Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations 1997 and therefore their sale is prohibited, unless they are covered by a permit, which is commonly known as an Article 10 Certificate. Taxidermy specimens that were prepared prior to 3rd March 1947 are also exempt under the antiques derogation.

A staff member from the RSPB who suspected that the specimens may be illegal, reported them to the RSPB Investigations Dept, who in turn asked West Yorkshire Police to investigate. A wildlife crime officer from West Yorkshire Police took the specimens to an expert taxidermist for examination. He confirmed that the specimens were not pre-1947 and that they were modern specimens. This specialist examination was funded by the Wildlife Forensic Analysis Fund. West Yorkshire Police referred the findings to the National Wildlife Crime Unit for further investigation.

The NWCU identified Oleksiak as the seller. He had been trading extensively in taxidermy on the internet auction site eBay since 2013. Officers found that the vast majority of his trade had been legal; however, he had advertised over 90 specimens that were believed to have been included on Annex ‘A’. Some of the specimens had been re-listed several times because they had not sold initially. 22 of these specimens had actually been sold; all had been advertised as being pre-1947, including the 3 Goshawks that had been recovered. Officers noted wording in the items’ descriptions, ‘prepared using modern materials and techniques’, which was not consistent with the fact that the specimens were supposed to be antique. Officers positively identified sales of other Annex ‘A’ species – Eurasian Otter, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Eurasian Eagle Owl and a further Goshawk. They also identified the export of a Eurasian Eagle Owl to the USA, which would be prohibited without a valid export permit.

Checks with the Animal and Plant Health Agency confirmed that he hadn’t applied for or been issued with any export permits. Records indicated that he had previously been issued with Article 10 certificates for Goshawk and Buzzard, however these specimens had been advertised and sold as having permits and had been excluded from the inquiry.

On 19th December 2017 officers from the NWCU and Avon and Somerset Police executed a search warrant at Oleksiak’s home address and later interviewed him. He told officers that he was not a taxidermist and just traded as a hobby to make some small profit. He told officers that he purchased items from websites in his home country of Poland and then resold items on eBay hoping to make a profit. He told officers that he didn’t actually know or ask for any provenance of what he was buying. He told officers that he would advertise specimens as being pre-1947 so eBay wouldn’t remove his listings. He admitted that describing them as being ‘pre- 1947’ was without any foundation. Oleksiak also admitted selling and then exporting a Eurasian Eagle Owl to the USA without export permits.

He was subsequently charged with 10 offences, to which he has pleaded guilty.

At Bristol Magistrates Court, he told the court that he now given up any trade in taxidermy, he also said that this trade was legal in his home country of Poland; however, the court was told that the regulations were part of EU law and the same regulations applied in all EU Member States, including Poland.

Magistrates told Oleksiak that they were satisfied that he knew enough about the regulations to know that permits were required. They said that describing specimens as pre-1947, when they clearly weren’t, was a misrepresentation to potential buyers. They told Oleksiak that they been considering a custodial sentence, but took into account his previous good character, his openness with the investigating officers and his early guilty plea. Oleksiak was given a 12 month Community Order, ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £170 costs. Magistrates also ordered the forfeiture of the 3 Goshawks seized by Police.

]]>Surrey Antiques Fair inspected for illegal endangered specieshttps://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/surrey-antiques-fair-inspected-for-illegal-endangered-species/
Wed, 01 Aug 2018 08:21:59 +0000http://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=7145Officers from Surrey Police, the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit and the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) took part in a joint operation on 31/07/2018 when they visited Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Park Racecourse. The aim of the operation was to ensure that any traders dealing in endangered species and their derivatives were […]]]>

Officers from Surrey Police, the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit and the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) took part in a joint operation on 31/07/2018 when they visited Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Park Racecourse. The aim of the operation was to ensure that any traders dealing in endangered species and their derivatives were complying with the relevant legal requirements.

Previous intelligence suggested that some dealers had been selling items made from or containing endangered species without the required permits.

The officers found that the majority of dealers that were selling such items were trading lawfully. However, officers seized a Sawfish rostrum and three whale teeth for further investigation.

Head of the NWCU, Chief Inspector Louise Hubble said, “Today’s operation was a great success and we were encouraged to find that the majority of dealers were trading lawfully. However, anybody who chooses to deal in endangered species outside the law must realise that they run the real risk of being brought before the courts”.

]]>Rare bird eggs importation prevented by Border Force at Heathrowhttps://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/rare-bird-eggs-importation-prevented-by-border-force-at-heathrow/
Fri, 29 Jun 2018 11:29:51 +0000http://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=7111Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport have seized 19 eggs containing rare and endangered bird species, two of which had already hatched. The detection was made on 26 June when officers stopped a man who had arrived on a flight from South Africa. When the man was questioned and searched, 19 bird eggs were found […]]]>

Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport have seized 19 eggs containing rare and endangered bird species, two of which had already hatched.

The detection was made on 26 June when officers stopped a man who had arrived on a flight from South Africa. When the man was questioned and searched, 19 bird eggs were found concealed within a body belt, as well as two newly-hatched vultures.

Border Force specialist officers identified that the eggs were protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Although the exact species are yet to be identified, the eggs are known to be from South African birds of prey including vultures, eagles, hawks and kites.

Officers ensured that both the eggs and the live chicks were kept warm and quickly transported to the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, managed by the City of London Corporation. City Corporation staff ensured that the chicks were cared for and the unhatched eggs were incubated. The live chicks and the eggs have since been moved to a specialist facility.

Following the incident, a 56-year-old Irish national was arrested and the investigation passed to the National Crime Agency (NCA). He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Grant Miller, head of the national Border Force CITES team at Heathrow, said:

“My officers are experts in their field and will seize anything that contravenes CITES regulations. In this case, by preventing the smuggling attempt they have also ensured that the birds and eggs received the immediate care and attention that they needed.

“The frontline work of my team, alongside close working with enforcement partners such as the NCA and National Wildlife Crime Unit, is key to tackling the international illegal wildlife trade which does so much environmental damage and threatens the survival of endangered animals and plants.”

The importation of endangered species into the UK is strictly controlled by CITES, which is an international agreement covering more than 35,000 species of animals and plants. The Heathrow-based Border Force CITES team are specialist officers who work across the UK and who are recognised as world leaders in their field.

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling and trafficking of any kind should call the UK hotline on: (0)800 59 5000.

]]>Pearl mussels killed on the River Speyhttps://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/pearl-mussels-killed-on-the-river-spey/
Fri, 15 Jun 2018 10:58:53 +0000http://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=7129Police in Aviemore are appealing for information after a number of endangered freshwater pearl mussels were removed from the River Spey and killed. A total of 80 mussels were found near the fishing hut approximately a quarter-mile downstream from the Old Spey Bridge in Grantown. They are believed to have been removed sometime over the […]]]>

Police in Aviemore are appealing for information after a number of endangered freshwater pearl mussels were removed from the River Spey and killed.

A total of 80 mussels were found near the fishing hut approximately a quarter-mile downstream from the Old Spey Bridge in Grantown.

They are believed to have been removed sometime over the weekend of Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10.

The mussel shells were subsequently found by a member of the public and this has since been reported to police.

Reporting officer Constable Andrew Courts said: “Pearl mussels are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and this illegal persecution is extremely disappointing.

“Those responsible would have been present in the shallow waters for some time to remove this number of shells and on the bank opening the shells in an attempt to locate a pearl.

“Police are appealing for anyone – fisherman, walkers, cyclists – who were in this area over the weekend and who saw anything suspicious to come forward and call us on 101, quoting incident NM1844/18. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

]]>21 years of Operation Easter: is the end in sight for egg collecting?https://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/21-years-of-operation-easter-is-the-end-in-sight-for-egg-collecting/
Wed, 09 May 2018 20:44:08 +0000http://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=7062Operation Easter comes of age this year as it celebrates 21 years of protecting nests from egg collectors. The annual campaign was developed in Scotland and is now facilitated by the National Wildlife Crime Unit based in Stirling, in conjunction with UK Police Forces and partner agencies. It has always been fully supported and approved […]]]>

Operation Easter comes of age this year as it celebrates 21 years of protecting nests from egg collectors.

The annual campaign was developed in Scotland and is now facilitated by the National Wildlife Crime Unit based in Stirling, in conjunction with UK Police Forces and partner agencies. It has always been fully supported and approved by the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland.

The operation has helped to notch up a long list of convictions and now hopes to eradicate illegal egg collecting within a generation. But that won’t mean the work is over. It’ll continue to share intelligence on the trade in the eggs of wild birds, as well as protecting nesting birds from disturbance caused by over-zealous bird watchers and photographers approaching too close or by people intent on stealing chicks for falconry or destroying eggs or chicks for game or livestock protection purposes.

The Chair of PAW Scotland, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham MSP said: “Over the last 21 years Operation Easter has played a vital role in Scotland’s efforts to tackle wildlife crime, by protecting many of our wonderful bird species from egg collectors.

In the past egg collecting and persecution led to the elimination of the osprey from Scotland.

Egg collectors also slowed the recovery of iconic Scottish species such as the golden eagle.

Everyone involved in Operation Easter over the years deserves our thanks for their part in securing a huge reduction in this selfish and irresponsible crime.”

Operation Easter was the brainchild of Tayside Police wildlife crime officers in 1997. It rapidly spread from a regional initiative to an annual, national operation across the UK.

Alan Stewart was one of the founding members and became its driving force. He was a Tayside Police officer and, latterly, Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator and National Wildlife Crime Unit Intelligence Officer.

He says: “The variety of Scotland’s birds made them attractive targets for egg collectors, especially some of the rarer species like golden eagle, osprey and red throated divers. Many of the egg thieves came from either the north or south west of England and we felt we had to do something to protect Scotland’s birds from the annual migration of egg collectors. Information sharing between the UK’s Police forces back then was nowhere near as advanced as it is now, so we put in a mechanism to alert all Police forces with details of the main egg collectors to help co-ordinate enforcement and prevention opportunities.”

Results soon followed and, in 2002, a Merseyside man was jailed for 6 months for his collection of 450 eggs, including some taken from nesting sites on Mull; in 2003, a man from Runcorn was jailed for four months for owning a collection of 800 eggs, many of which had been taken from Scotland. Also in 2003, two men from Bury were fined a total of £2,700 after being found in possession of 21 wild birds’ eggs near Inverness, including those of the rare little tern. In 2005, a Norfolk man was jailed for 10 weeks for his collection of 3,600 eggs; his thieving of eggs had eradicated nightjars from a local nature reserve.

Egg collectors can go to extreme lengths. In 2006, an egg collector fell to his death while climbing a tree to check out a nest.

Scotland’s islands seem to be a lure to egg collectors and in 2011, a London man was stopped on Rum in possession of Manx shearwater eggs. A search of his home uncovered a collection in excess of 700 eggs and he was sentenced to a total of 12 months imprisonment.

Operation Easter spread to Mull where it became Eagle Watch. In 1999, two men were each fined £750 for being in possession of egg collecting equipment beneath one of the island’s sea eagle nests. ‘Eagle Watch’ is now managed annually by RSPB staff on Mull.

When Police Scotland was formed in 2013, the planning and management of Operation Easter was transferred to the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), where it was expanded beyond egg collecting.

“Operation Easter was becoming a victim of its own success,” says Charles Everitt, Scotland’s Investigations Support Officer with the NWCU. “From the early years when there were over 60 active egg collectors, we are finding that today there are only a handful left. The huge reduction of known, active egg thieves is a triumph for Operation Easter and hopefully the illegal collecting of wild birds’ eggs will now be eradicated within a generation. Nevertheless, there is still work to be undertaken to protect nesting birds from unlicensed disturbance and to counter illegal egg trading.”

Incidents of egg theft should be reported to the Police immediately on 101 or, if in progress, on 999. Anonymous reporting can be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Issued on behalf of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland

]]>Borders man fined for trading in endangered specieshttps://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/nwcu-police-press-releases/borders-man-fined-for-trading-in-endangered-species/
Thu, 19 Apr 2018 20:19:16 +0000http://www.nwcu.police.uk/?p=7039A Border’s man has been fined £1,000 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court today (Thursday 19th April 2018), for trading in parts of internationally protected species. The court also issued a forfeiture order for a mounted tiger head. Richard Wales ran an on-line business under the name “theexplorersstudy” buying and selling antiquity products containing animal derivatives from […]]]>

A Border’s man has been fined £1,000 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court today (Thursday 19th April 2018), for trading in parts of internationally protected species. The court also issued a forfeiture order for a mounted tiger head.

Richard Wales ran an on-line business under the name “theexplorersstudy” buying and selling antiquity products containing animal derivatives from an address in Newton, St Boswalls.

On 23 September 2015, the premises was searched under warrant by Police Scotland officers with assistance from a Wildlife Inspector from Animal & Plant Health Agency. The search recovered a quantity of items including mounted heads and claws from protected animals including tiger and leopard. Subsequent analysis of evidence was undertaken with the assistance of the National Wildlife Crime Unit and DNA Wildlife Forensics at SASA.

The Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 prohibit the sale of certain species of animals or their derivatives. The highest category of protection under this legislation is given to certain species which are considered threatened by extinction due to trade. Both tiger and leopard fall into this category.

Police Scotland’s Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator, Detective Sergeant Andy Mavin, said, “We are committed to investigating crimes against endangered species as part of the worldwide campaign to tackle the illegal trade in wildlife. However, these types of enquiries can be complex and time-consuming so the assistance provided by our partners is much valued. This is the second conviction this year in Scotland for offences under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 and we shall continue to investigate incidents to enforce these regulations wherever appropriate.”

Head of the National Wildlife Crime Unit, Lou Hubble, said, “International legislation exists to protect animals in danger of extinction from trade. It is recognised that trading in such animal parts and derivatives can endanger the few remaining species left in the wild and has resulted in global preventative action. It is therefore incumbent on everyone, wherever they may live, to ensure they abide by the law in order to protect the dwindling stocks of rare animals left on the planet. “